How Roman numerals work
| I | V | X | L | C | D | M |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 10 | 50 | 100 | 500 | 1,000 |
Symbols are added from largest to smallest: VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8. To avoid four of the same symbol in a row, a smaller symbol placed before a larger one is subtracted. Only six pairs are used: IV (4), IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400) and CM (900).
To convert a number, write each place value separately and join them. 2026 = 2000 + 20 + 6 = MM + XX + VI = MMXXVI.
To read a numeral, go left to right, subtracting a symbol when the next one is larger. MCMXCIV = M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + IV (4) = 1994.
Roman numeral chart
| Number | Roman | Number | Roman | Number | Roman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | 10 | X | 100 | C |
| 2 | II | 20 | XX | 200 | CC |
| 3 | III | 30 | XXX | 300 | CCC |
| 4 | IV | 40 | XL | 400 | CD |
| 5 | V | 50 | L | 500 | D |
| 6 | VI | 60 | LX | 600 | DC |
| 7 | VII | 70 | LXX | 700 | DCC |
| 8 | VIII | 80 | LXXX | 800 | DCCC |
| 9 | IX | 90 | XC | 900 | CM |
Recent years: 2000 = MM, 2010 = MMX, 2020 = MMXX, 2025 = MMXXV, 2026 = MMXXVI, 2027 = MMXXVII. Clock faces often show 4 as IIII rather than IV, a long-standing design tradition.
Frequently asked questions
What is 2026 in Roman numerals?
MMXXVI: MM (2000) + XX (20) + VI (6).
Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?
The Roman system was for counting and recording amounts, and had no symbol for zero. Medieval writers sometimes used the word nulla.
How are numbers above 3,999 written?
Traditionally with a bar over a numeral to multiply it by 1,000, so V with a bar is 5,000. Standard modern usage stops at 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX).
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